Tourexpi
In Matsu, the new “Island Pilgrimage” initiative
showcases how mindful travel can support communities and protect cultural
heritage.
As global tourism continues its recovery, Taiwan is
redefining how the sector can grow sustainably and competitively. The Tourism
Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has
unveiled a roadmap built around three priorities: strengthening local
immersion, accelerating digital transformation, and expanding international
outreach. The goal is to empower local communities through tourism while
preserving cultural identity and fostering a resilient regional economy.
Matsu’s “Island Pilgrimage”: a model for mindful
travel
Within this broader strategy, the Matsu National
Scenic Area Administration has launched “Island Pilgrimage: A Slow Travel Trek
Through Matsu,” a programme that blends environmental stewardship with
community-led cultural experiences. The initiative encourages visitors to
explore the archipelago—Nangan, Beigan, Juguang and Dongyin—on foot, revealing
its layered history and dramatic coastal landscapes. Situated off Taiwan’s
northwest coast near China’s Fujian province, the islands offer a distinctive
mix of heritage sites and natural scenery.
Since its debut in August, the project has hosted
guided walks on Nangan, Beigan and Juguang. Public figures including TV hosts
Xie Zheqing and Duan Huilin, as well as South Korean cheerleader Lee Ho-Jong,
have joined selected routes, sharing their impressions of the islands’ culture
and nature. In September, a travel agency affiliated with La New Group
introduced a five-day walking itinerary, further encouraging low-carbon travel
and signalling a shift toward sustainable tourism products.
Supporting local transformation through slow travel
“Matsu offers a rare blend of natural and historical
assets, making it an ideal place to promote responsible tourism and preserve
its cultural heritage,” said Hong Zhiguang, Director of the Matsu National
Scenic Area Administration. He emphasised that walking-based travel helps drive
tourism transformation while enabling deeper connections between visitors and
the islands.
Looking ahead, the Administration will expand the
“Island Pilgrimage” initiative with cross-island routes and stamp-collecting
activities, positioning Matsu as one of Taiwan’s signature destinations for
walking holidays.
Image
Credit: © Matsu National
Scenic Area Headquarters, Tourism Administration, MOTC
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